Seven Medway Velos were amongst 74 riders taking on what is considered the season finale of time trials by racing in the Hollingbourne Hill Climb. The event, which is hosted by neighbouring club The Wigmore, took place on Sunday, 30 September.
The race involves the riders trying to complete the long steep climb as quickly as possible, with the rider cresting the beast in the quickest time, taking the trophy.
It has been a few years since the club has seen a rider in the top end of the results, let alone taking some silverware, however supporters were thrilled to see young Velo Jacob Kennison do both.
Despite a busy work schedule that has seen him travelling the globe, not leaving much time for training, Jacob demonstrated his class by taking 12th place in 3mins 29secs. The time was good enough to see him lift the Medway Trophy, awarded to the fastest rider competing for a Medway club.
Next up the climb was Tom Knight in 4mins 48secs, a time that will see him crowned Medway Velo Veteran Champ and finishes off what has been a successful season.
Rob Kennison, who has not pedalled a bike very much in the last few months due to his work on the Tour of Britain still pulled a sub-5 climb out the bag with 4mins 50secs. Next was Matt Nunn with 5mins 3secs and Jill Day will take the Medway Club ladies title with 5mins 54secs.
Steve Smith and his 10-year-old daughter Safiya showed what the Medway Velo is all about, racing a tandem up the climb.
Doubters suggested that this may not even be possible to get such a heavy bike with two people on it up the leg screaming ascent, but Team Smith gritted their teeth, pedalled hard and cruised the climb in 6mins 58secs.
The overall winner was Seb Dickson of Cambridge University in 3mins 3secs. James Hayward of Woolwich CC took 2nd in 3mins 5secs and Joshua Aiken of Pedal Power Cycles Ipswich was 3rd in 3mins 7secs.
Congratulations and thanks to the Wigmore CC for another well organised and fun event.
Photos courtesy of Dave Hayward
